Atletico Madrid boosted by Morata return ahead of Liverpool clash

Alvaro Morata could be fit for Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool, according to Goal.

The Reds head to Spain next Tuesday, taking on Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Diego Simeone had been suffering a potential striker shortage for the game, but those issues appear to have eased.

Speaking to reporters, with Goal transcribing the quotes, the Atletico manager has confirmed that Morata has recovered from a muscle injury in time for Friday’s meeting with Valencia, which suggests he will be fit to face Liverpool.

Diego Costa and Joao Felix could be missing for the game, but nothing has been confirmed regarding their availability yet.

Read Liverpool Verdict

I think Morata’s return is an undoubted boost for Atletico, who have been goal-shy throughout the season.

They have scored just 23 times in as many league games, and with Liverpool’s attack hopefully having enough to breach their goal on Tuesday, they will also need to find the net.

The Reds won’t have it easy, though, with Simeone’s men conceding only 15 goals in the league in 2019/20. Breaking them down could be a challenge, and Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could do with clicking in the final third.

I believe it is imperative that Liverpool get an away goal in Madrid, in order to alleviate some of the potential pressure at Anfield in the second leg.

A goalless draw, or even worse a defeat without scoring, would make an Atletico away goal disastrous for Jurgen Klopp’s side.